The Basics

Time

Electricity

Language

The official language of Oman is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. Hotel staff often also speak German and French.

Tipping

A service charge is usually added to bills. However, a 'little
extra' of around 10 percent is appreciated.

Safety Information

Like all the Gulf States, Oman is considered to be under a high
risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, particularly against
Western interests. Therefore, vigilance is necessary. Crime,
though, is not a problem for visitors, although common sense
precautions should be practised.

Rental and company vehicles have been vulnerable to robbery in
the southern areas of Thumrait, Marmul, and Nimr. Piracy is
considered a threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Women
are advised not to wear shorts or scanty clothing in the towns to
avoid risk of sexual harassment. It is advised to carry a copy of
your passport at all times.

Local Customs

Oman is a predominantly Muslim country and visitors should
respect religious sensitivity, particularly in the matter of dress
and public conduct. Women, in particular, should wear loose fitting
clothes that cover most of the body. Eating, drinking, and smoking
in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it
is forbidden by the Muslim culture.

Homosexuality is sadly illegal in the country. Importing obscene
publications or videos is subject to severe penalties. Alcohol is
available only at licensed hotels and restaurants and penalties for
driving under the influence of alcohol are drastic. The legal blood
alcohol level in the country is close to zero.

Business

The business world in Oman is minute, with a small core of
families controlling most of the country's industry and trade. As
in most of the Middle East, it is preferable to conduct business
face to face and develop good working relations built on trust and
friendship. Hospitality is important and visitors will be treated
with respect.

It is a good idea to have a basic idea of Omani customs and
attempting to speak some Arabic will be appreciated. Business
attire is usually formal with suits and ties the norm. Women in
particular should dress modestly. English is spoken widely. The
working week is normally from Sunday to Thursday, and hours can
vary. Most businesses are open from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm.

Communications

The international direct dialling code for Oman is +968, and the
outgoing international code 00, followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are in use. Phone
cards for public phone booths can be purchased from grocery stores
and petrol stations.

International phone calls can be made from most phone booths and
local SIM cards are also widely available. There are internet cafes
in main towns and cities, free wifi is available in most hotels and
some restaurants.

Duty Free

Travellers to Oman do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes and
2 litres/2 bottles of liquor per family, provided they are
non-Muslim visitors. Meat products officially require an Islamic
slaughter certificate.

Videotapes for personal use may be confiscated and sent to
Ministry of National Heritage and Culture for verification.
Prohibited items include dates (including shoots of date palm),
coconut, ornamental palm trees, and parts thereof.

Also prohibited are firearms and toy weapons, swords or knives,
and flammable material, obscene reading material and non-canned
foodstuffs from cholera-infected areas. Items of value may be
exempt, subject to an assessment by a security officer.

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Language

The official language of Oman is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. Hotel staff often also speak German and French.

Tipping

A service charge is usually added to bills. However, a 'little
extra' of around 10 percent is appreciated.

Safety Information

Like all the Gulf States, Oman is considered to be under a high
risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, particularly against
Western interests. Therefore, vigilance is necessary. Crime,
though, is not a problem for visitors, although common sense
precautions should be practised.

Rental and company vehicles have been vulnerable to robbery in
the southern areas of Thumrait, Marmul, and Nimr. Piracy is
considered a threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Women
are advised not to wear shorts or scanty clothing in the towns to
avoid risk of sexual harassment. It is advised to carry a copy of
your passport at all times.

Local Customs

Oman is a predominantly Muslim country and visitors should
respect religious sensitivity, particularly in the matter of dress
and public conduct. Women, in particular, should wear loose fitting
clothes that cover most of the body. Eating, drinking, and smoking
in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it
is forbidden by the Muslim culture.

Homosexuality is sadly illegal in the country. Importing obscene
publications or videos is subject to severe penalties. Alcohol is
available only at licensed hotels and restaurants and penalties for
driving under the influence of alcohol are drastic. The legal blood
alcohol level in the country is close to zero.

Business

The business world in Oman is minute, with a small core of
families controlling most of the country's industry and trade. As
in most of the Middle East, it is preferable to conduct business
face to face and develop good working relations built on trust and
friendship. Hospitality is important and visitors will be treated
with respect.

It is a good idea to have a basic idea of Omani customs and
attempting to speak some Arabic will be appreciated. Business
attire is usually formal with suits and ties the norm. Women in
particular should dress modestly. English is spoken widely. The
working week is normally from Sunday to Thursday, and hours can
vary. Most businesses are open from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm.

Communications

The international direct dialling code for Oman is +968, and the
outgoing international code 00, followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are in use. Phone
cards for public phone booths can be purchased from grocery stores
and petrol stations.

International phone calls can be made from most phone booths and
local SIM cards are also widely available. There are internet cafes
in main towns and cities, free wifi is available in most hotels and
some restaurants.

Duty Free

Travellers to Oman do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes and
2 litres/2 bottles of liquor per family, provided they are
non-Muslim visitors. Meat products officially require an Islamic
slaughter certificate.

Videotapes for personal use may be confiscated and sent to
Ministry of National Heritage and Culture for verification.
Prohibited items include dates (including shoots of date palm),
coconut, ornamental palm trees, and parts thereof.

Also prohibited are firearms and toy weapons, swords or knives,
and flammable material, obscene reading material and non-canned
foodstuffs from cholera-infected areas. Items of value may be
exempt, subject to an assessment by a security officer.